Get the right cover

Let's face it, no-one sets out to get hurt taking a photo on holiday. But what if something does go wrong? Could you draw on your travel insurance?

The British Insurance Brokers' Association told us it felt selfie-related claims would most likely be treated as accidents, adding: "The Ombudsman would always ensure that all valid claims would be paid, however we do urge a caution not to put yourself in needless danger when taking a holiday selfie."

Ross Penstone-Smith, general insurance policy adviser at the Association of British Insurers, echoed this view: "If people have accidents or fall ill while overseas, travel insurance gives them peace of mind that they can get the help they need without running up large bills. Insurers pay out almost £4m a week for emergency medical treatment overseas."

So, while insurers will pay up, having travel insurance is not a 'get out of jail free' card.

Check for clauses

Most travel insurance policies include a clause requiring you to exercise reasonable care with regards to both yourself and your property.

Failing to do so, or foregoing travel insurance when going abroad, could leave you in real trouble.

It's a similar story with life insurance, which will typically pay out when the policyholder dies.

Many policies will approve claims if you die as a result of gross negligence or a reckless act, but others may not.

For example, Sainsbury's level term life insurance policy includes the following clause: "We won't pay out if, within the first year of your policy, the cause of your death is directly or indirectly caused by exposing yourself to significant risk that is more likely than not to result in death."

In any event, you should question your sanity if reading the small print for this type of exclusion becomes a consideration when looking for life insurance.